Popular media personality Toke Makinwa has stirred reactions online after declaring that relationships between men and women have always been transactional, insisting the trend dates back to biblical times and not the social media era.
Speaking during a conversation with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Toolz, Toke argued that exchange and persuasion have always played a role in romantic relationships.
“I think from time immemorial, a relationship between a man and a woman has always been transactional. Right from the Garden of Eden, right from our parents’ days.”
She explained that women have traditionally used subtle gestures and affection before making requests from their partners.
“A woman will feel like she wants to ask her husband for something, she knows how to throw on the nicest underwear, make his best meal. Before your mom will present your dad with the list of the house, she will find a way, ‘Your favorite food has been made. Should I rub your leg?’ and then she will now say, ‘You see that thing I asked you for? You’ve not done it,’”
According to her, although social media has amplified the culture, the reality itself is not new.
Toke, however, blamed many modern men for turning relationships into heavily money-driven arrangements.
“The degree at which it’s happening now, I would blame the men, sometimes that’s all men have to offer,”
She further claimed that many men now lead with money instead of genuine connection, especially when trying to impress women.
“Most Nigerian girls meet a Yahoo boy who just blew, and as he sees her, first thing he’s offering her is what she has never seen before. They don’t even want to get to know you or ask you questions.”
Sharing her personal encounters, the media personality said some men believe flashy offers are the quickest way to gain attention.
“I’ve heard the strangest things that men have offered me. Men will feel like that’s what they need to show you to talk to you. And sometimes, I really just want to get to know you. Sometimes I think you’re a great guy.”
When Ebuka suggested that women were the ones who started demanding money first, Toke strongly disagreed.
“We’re saying the same thing, it’s because the men started.”
